Best Takasaki Ramen: 5 Must-Visit Shops
Takasaki, the largest city in Gunma Prefecture, is a hidden gem for ramen lovers. Just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Takasaki offers a rich and diverse ramen scene that stands out even in Japan’s competitive food culture. From handmade noodles to deep, umami-rich broths, Takasaki ramen is something every foodie should experience.
Here’s a guide to the top 5 ramen shops in Takasaki, plus an in-depth look at what makes Takasaki ramen so special.
What Makes Takasaki Ramen Unique?
Takasaki’s ramen culture is shaped by handmade noodles, unique broth styles, and strong local traditions. Unlike Tokyo’s shoyu-dominated ramen or Kyushu’s pork-heavy tonkotsu bowls, Takasaki ramen is known for its balance of flavors and focus on texture.
Here are some key elements that set it apart:
Handmade, Handcut Noodles: Many ramen shops in Takasaki, such as Seijinken, take pride in making their noodles from scratch. These thick, high-hydration noodles absorb broth exceptionally well and add a chewy texture to every bite.
Balanced Broths: While some shops focus on niboshi (dried sardine) broths, others incorporate chicken, pork bones, and even fish flakes to create lighter yet deeply flavorful soups.
Fusion of Traditional and Modern Techniques: Some ramen shops, like Chuukasoba Aoki Second, lean into modern interpretations with clear, refined soups, while others, like Menya Joutaro, embrace rich, gravy-like broths.
5 Must-Visit Ramen Restaurants in Takasaki
Takasaki’s ramen culture is built on respect for traditional methods while embracing innovation—making it one of Japan’s most exciting ramen destinations.
1. Seijinken – Handmade, Handcut Noodles
Since 1953, Seijinken (手打ちラーメン 清仁軒) has been a beloved ramen shop. Though it briefly closed in 2016, a former staff member revived it, keeping the original recipes alive.
Their signature ramen features a light yet rich soy sauce-seasoned broth, combining boiled pork bones and chicken skin for a complex, satisfying taste. But the real star? The handmade, handcut noodles, which take four hours to prepare. Thick, wavy, and chewy, these noodles define Takasaki ramen history.
Location: Takasaki, Gunma
Specialty: Handmade noodles in a balanced pork and chicken broth
2. Kuromatsu – Beauty in a Bowl
Since opening in 2016, Kuromatsu (自家製麺 くろ松) has become famous for its elegant presentation and delicately balanced ramen. Their most well-known dish is shiro shoyu (white soy sauce) ramen.
The soup is light yet umami-packed, with subtle hints of dried fish and kelp. Toppings include tender chicken and pork slices, plus a shiso herb-filled dumpling that adds an unexpected twist. With its soft pastel colors and pristine plating, Kuromatsu serves some of the most photogenic ramen in Takasaki.
Location: Takasaki, Gunma
Specialty: White soy sauce ramen with house-made noodles
3. Menya Joutaro – Gravy-Like, Hearty Broth
For those who love thick, hearty ramen, Menya Joutaro (麺屋 承太郎) is the place to be. While they offer lighter options, their salt-seasoned, chicken-based ramen is the standout.
The soup is thicker and fattier, resembling gravy in texture. Raw onions and spring onions add a refreshing contrast to the rich broth. The shop’s quirky interior, filled with manga and anime figurines, reflects the owner’s love for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure—a fun touch for anime fans!
Location: Takasaki, Gunma
Specialty: Rich, salty ramen with a thick, fatty soup
4. Nakajima – An Upgraded Classic
The owner of Nakajima (支那そば なかじま) trained at Tokyo’s famous Kazuya ramen shop, which itself comes from the legendary Tantantei ramen lineage. This means Nakajima serves a refined, upgraded take on classic Tokyo ramen.
Their niboshi (dried sardine) broth is well-balanced, offering a subtle seafood richness without overpowering the soup. The red-colored pork chashu is another signature touch, staying true to the Tantantei style.
Location: Takasaki, Gunma
Specialty: Niboshi-based ramen with a classic Tokyo ramen influence
5. Chuukasoba Aoki Second – Modern and Fishy
If you’re a fan of clean, elegant ramen, Chuukasoba Aoki Second should be on your list. Their ramen focuses on a crystal-clear, salt-seasoned broth where niboshi (dried sardines) take center stage.
For those unfamiliar with niboshi, don’t worry—the soup also includes chicken, creating a layered yet approachable flavor. Toppings include raw red onions, a chicken meatball (tsukune), and a patch of aonori (dried seaweed).
Fun fact: The “Second” in the name was added when the shop moved locations!
Location: Takasaki, Gunma
Specialty: Niboshi-based clear soup ramen with refined flavors
Final Thoughts: Best Takasaki Ramen
Takasaki’s ramen scene is an exciting blend of history, craftsmanship, and modern innovation. Whether you prefer thick, handmade noodles, light and clear broths, or rich, fatty soups, there’s a ramen shop in Takasaki that will leave an impression.
If you’re traveling through Gunma, skip the usual tourist spots and take a detour for an unforgettable bowl of ramen. With its unique approach to noodles, broth styles, and toppings, Takasaki ramen deserves a spot on every ramen lover’s bucket list!
